SH-R – ‘strong, liberal, lawful governance’

This roots admits of several significations, according to its composition. It is the sign of relative movement which is united simply to that of movement proper, there results from this abstract mingling of the circular lines with the straight line, an idea of solution, opening, liberation; as if a closed circle were opened; as if a chain were slackened: if one considers this same sign of relative movement being united by contraction to the elementary root אר, then it partakes of the diverse expressions of this root and develops ideas of strength, vigour, domination, power, which result from the elementary principle; if finally, one sees in the root the root אר, symbol of all harmonius proportion, joined to the sign of movement proper, one discovers here the expression of that which is directed according to just and upright laws; thence, according to the first signification:

That which liberates, opens, brings out, emits, produces; as the navel, a field, etc. according to the second:

SHRR That which is solid, firm, resisting, as a wall, breast-plate, chain; that which is strong, vigorous, as a bull; that which is dominating, powerful, as a king, a prince; that which is formidable, as a rival, an enemy, etc.; according to the third:

SHR, SHRR, or SHYR That which is measured, co-ordinate, just, conformable with universal harmony, restricted to regulations, as a musical song, a melody, a law, a poem, a system of government, etc.

The Hebraic genius merging these three expressions in one, draws from it the most complicated and most abstract sense that any tongue can offer: that of a government, liberal, ready, indulgent, productive within; powerful, strong, redoubtable, dominating without, which extends its empire by directing it according to just, luminous laws modelled upon the immutable law of order and universal harmony. (The Hebraic Tongue Restored, Fabré d’Olivet, p. 463-464)